Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe

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Diptych Dial
Signed by Hans Tucher
Dated 1582; Nuremberg
Ivory and brass; 65 x 53 x 13 mm

Quite unusually for a diptych dial, this instrument is not rectangular, but oval. Fitted with a suspension ring it could have been worn on a chain around the neck and therefore serve as an unusual piece of jewellery.

As with all Tucher dials made in this period it is impossible to say whether the instrument was made by Hans Tucher II or Hans Tucher III.

The dial consists of a lunar volvelle, a horizontal and vertical string gnomon dial, a pin gnomon dial showing the length of the day in hours and a pin gnomon dial for Babylonian hours.

British Museum, London
Registration no. MLA 1867,7-5.26

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